Graphic designers are at the centre of dynamic and exciting fields of visual communication. They are communicators, problem-solvers, inventors, artists and entertainers. Great ideas are at the heart of the best graphic design and great ideas are also at the heart of this BA Graphic Design course, which encourages you to develop your own distinct and independent voice. The course is invigorated by close links with the design industry, in three important ways:

1. Leading members of London's design community regularly visit Camberwell providing insights into current and future design practices.

2. Enabling work placements at influential design/advertising agencies.

3. Providing immediate student access to new visual communication industry methods.

This has provided the course with an excellent reputation within the industry. Students have worked on projects with leading organisations and businesses such as: Nike, Showstudio, BBC, Audi, Harrods, Bloomberg, Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith, Legible London.

Learning and teaching

University of the Arts London courses span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base.

Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy.

Assessment methods

At the University of the Arts London we see assessment as a very real part of learning, rather than just a means of looking back at past work and measuring achievement; we believe that assessment helps you plan future work and develop new ideas. 

Your work will be assessed through projects or portfolios, with written papers or research journals, and, on some courses, examinations. You will be graded according to a set of marking criteria that relate to such things as research, subject knowledge, methodology, and your capacity to analyse and reflect on your achievements. So don’t be afraid of assessment - it is the way to progress.

Year 1

You will explore the fundamental principles of visual communication such as: ideas and concept development, visual language structures, typography, semiotics, and research, all delivered through tutor-initiated studio and client based projects. Professional practice lectures will develop your practical skills and professional knowledge. The teaching of visual language and cultural theory and their application to areas such as branding begin to develop insights into being a professional designer. A series of key ideas lectures will introduce you to several important debates and theories that underpin contemporary art and design. You will be introduced to a range of strategies to help you develop a research methodology and reflective approach to your studies.

Year 2

You will create semi-directed projects and programmes of study, in consultation with tutors, relating to your emerging direction within graphic design. You will address the professional issues of communication by understanding the audience and cultural context of communications and learn how contemporary design agencies operate by embracing the cultural challenges of communication. You will explore the following areas: branding, marketing, motion graphics and video.

Year 3

You will be planning, developing and realising your individual, self-initiated programme of study. Through a choice of dissertation, work placement or live project you will explore in depth the context within which you choose to locate your practice. You will develop your ideas using an appropriate research-based methodology and work towards a completed body of work, which will prepare you for ongoing study and professional practice.

Students holding a Foundation degree (FdA) in a related subject may be considered for the 3rd year bridging unit, which enables students to apply to the 3rd Year BA(Hons) degree courses in Graphic Design.

The vibrancy of London's design landscape is made up of Camberwell graduates who have gone on to set up their own studios including Kerr Noble, Brighten the Corners, This Is Studio and A Practice for Every Day Life. Camberwell graduates are currently working in interactive design, print based design, branding, corporate identity, product design, illustration, film/video and advertising with leading companies such as AIG, BBH, BBC, Mother, Pentagram, Neville Brody, Airside, GTF, Peter Anderson studio and Why Not Associates.

Alumni:

• Ben Gibbs - Designer at Wolff Olins
• Vicky Simmons - Freelance Art Director
• Mike Guppy
• Barney Beech, Dougal Burgess, Richard Barnett - This Is Studio
• Kate Moross
• Ben Freeman - runs Ditto Press
• Hans Lo
• Stewart McMillan - Senior Designer at Studio Output
• Jesse Richards
• Alex Sushon (Bok Bok) - Co-founder of Night Slugs record label, producer, DJ
• Jack Latham (Jam City) - Producer, DJ
• Josh Walsh, Henrik Schneider - Silva Silva
• Tomaso Raynieri - Designer at Calling Brands
• Rory Gleeson - Designer at John Pawson
• Emma Thomas - Co-founder of A Practice for Everyday Life
• James Naimi-Akbar - Co-founder of A Public Nuisance
• Robert Boon - Director, Inventory
• Jamie Thompson - Art Director at DesignStudio
• Kris Hofmann - Director, Nexus Productions
• Frith Kerr - Studio Frith
• Clare Shilland - Photographer
• Alice Hawkins - Photographer
• Tom Messenger - Designer / Illustrator
• Sam Winston

Entry to BA (Hons) Graphic Design is highly competitive.

We select students based on the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement. Most successful applicants will have completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD). We will exceptionally consider applications from A-Level or equivalent candidates presenting a portfolio which is of equivalent standard to those produced by students on Foundation (FAD) courses.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved, or be expected to achieve, either:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• A pass in 1 GCE A-Level
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• BTEC Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• UAL Level 3 Pre-University Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design
• Passes at GCSE level 3 in 4 subjects (grade C or above)

In exceptional circumstances applicants may be considered if they present a portfolio of equivalent standard to a one-year Foundation course in art and design and have achieved, or expect to achieve:

• Passes in 2 GCE A-Levels
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

We also accept applications from students with equivalent international qualifications; eg International Baccalaureate or equivalent national school leaving or university entrance qualifications, where a portfolio of equivalent standard to that produced by students studying on a FAD programme may be evidenced.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

International Applicants

We welcome applications from International students and will be pleased to help with the application process. To receive advice and help with your application you are invited to contact one of the University's local representatives in your own country or one of our International Student Advisors in London: http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/internationalstudents/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

Bridging Unit Entry Requirements - to join 3rd Year BA Graphic Design

FdA graduates must be experienced in Graphic Design and demonstrate competence to an appropriate level to enter the Honours-level year, and demonstrate their willingness and readiness to undertake extended academic writing.

FdA graduates must have achieved or be expected to achieve a Merit or above on completion of the FdA course and must show proof of an IELTS score of 6.0, if English is not their first language.

A candidate's suitability will be explored at interview and through the submission of a portfolio of their work. The following selection criteria will apply for the 3rd year bridging unit.

Candidates / portfolios must show evidence of

• The understanding and application of subject knowledge and underlying principles.
• Management of learning through reflection, planning, self-direction, subject engagement and commitment.
• Clarity of purpose, skills in the selected media, awareness and adoption of appropriate conventions, sensitivity to the needs of the audience.
• Systematic identification and investigation of appropriate sources.

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

All Camberwell College of Arts UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no Campus Code for Camberwell College of Arts.

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Camberwell College of Arts.

T: 020 7514 6302
E: info@camberwell.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the ccw international apply page for details.

or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk

How to apply to the Bridging Programme for entry to 3rd Year Graphic Design

Students that meet the selection criteria (detailed on the Entry Requirements tab) can apply for the Bridging Unit which enables entry to the 3rd Year of the BA Graphic Design course.

To apply download a Camberwell BA Graphic Design Bridging Unit application 2013, AND a Reference form complete and return both to the address on the application form.

Application deadline: 30 April 2013

Interviews are expected to take place on: 27 May 2013

For the interview you should bring your portfolio of work and any other art and design work that may be appropriate. At interview the tutors will discuss your personal statement, portfolio of work and your motivation and career aspirations with you.